Moving out of state costs between $500 and $2,500, depending on your approach, compared to $4,000-$8,000 for full-service movers. This article compares six interstate moving methods with actual costs, identifies hidden fees that can triple your budget, and provides strategies that reduce expenses by 40-50%. You'll learn which option fits your situation and how to move without overspending.
Cheapest Interstate Moving Options
Interstate moving costs vary based on distance, load size, and service level. The cheapest way to move to another state depends on your needs and the trade-offs you're willing to make.
Interstate Moving Options
- DIY Truck Rental ($500-$2,500): Most popular budget option for 1-3 bedroom moves where you rent, load, and drive the truck yourself over 2-4 days.
- Cargo Trailer ($200-$700): Cheapest option for studio or 1-bedroom moves if you own a vehicle with towing capacity, completed in 2-3 days.
- Moving Containers ($1,000-$4,000): Mid-range option for 2-3 bedroom moves where the container is delivered, you load at your pace, and they transport it over 5-10 days.
- Hybrid Labor ($700-$3,100): Cost-effective approach for all sizes where you handle transportation but hire professional movers for loading/unloading, taking 2-4 days.
- Full-Service ($4,000-$8,000): Premium option for large homes prioritizing convenience with movers handling everything from packing to unpacking over 3-7 days.
- Shipping Boxes ($200-$1,000): Ultra-budget method for minimal belongings shipped via USPS, UPS, or FedEx with delivery in 3-14 days.
DIY Truck Rental: The Classic Budget Interstate Move
Renting a moving truck remains the most popular budget option for interstate moves. You rent from companies like U-Haul, Penske, or Budget, load everything yourself, and drive to your new state. Costs include truck rental ($140-$304 for local moves, $1,154 average for long distance based on our data), fuel (6-14 mpg for most trucks), insurance ($14-$90), and equipment rentals ($7-$39 for dollies and pads).
Real Interstate Truck Rental Costs
A 500-mile move in a 15-foot truck costs about $850: $400 for the truck, $350 for fuel at 10 mpg, $60 for insurance, and $40 for equipment. Add another $200-$300 if you need hotel stays during multi-day drives. Budget trucks average $161 for local portions but jump to $1,114 for long-distance moves, according to industry data.
DIY Interstate Moving Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Complete control over timeline and route
- Lowest base cost for medium-sized moves
- No waiting for delivery windows
Cons:
- Physical exhaustion and injury risk from lifting
- Driving large trucks through unfamiliar areas
- Hidden costs like hotels, meals, and tolls add 20-30%
Tow-Behind Cargo Trailer: Cheapest for Small Interstate Moves
If you own a vehicle that can tow, cargo trailers offer the cheapest way to move out of state for smaller loads. U-Haul's 4x8 trailers start at $15 per day plus $0.59 per mile. A 500-mile interstate move costs about $400 total: $300 for mileage, $60 for three-day rental, and $40 for hitch installation if needed.
Vehicle Requirements for Interstate Towing
Your vehicle needs at least a 2,000-pound towing capacity for small trailers, and 3,500 pounds for medium trailers. Check your owner's manual for exact ratings. Factor in worse fuel economy (expect 25-40% decrease) and slower travel speeds on highways. Many compact cars and sedans cannot safely tow even small trailers across state lines.
Portable Moving Containers for Interstate Relocations
Moving containers splits the difference between DIY and full-service moves. Companies like PODS, U-Pack, and 1-800-PACK-RAT deliver a container to your home. You load it at your pace, they transport it to your new state, and you unload. Interstate container moves average $1,000-$4,000 depending on distance and container size.
Container Interstate Moving Cost Breakdown
A two-bedroom interstate move (1,000 miles) typically costs $2,500 with containers: $800 for the container rental, $1,200 for transportation, $300 for first-month storage, and $200 for delivery fees. U-Pack's ReloCube starts at $1,000 for shorter interstate moves. PODS charges more but offers flexible scheduling and multiple container sizes.
When Containers Make Financial Sense
Containers work best when you need storage between homes or can't drive a truck yourself. They cost more than DIY truck rental, but remove the stress of driving and fuel costs. The real value comes from loading at your own pace without daily rental charges eating into your budget.
Enhance Your DIY Transport with Labor Only Movers
The hybrid approach combines the cheapest way to move out of state with professional help where it matters most. You rent your own truck or container, then hire labor-only movers at both ends. Professional movers handle the heavy lifting while you control transportation and costs.
It's easy to overestimate your abilities and time when moving. Friends sometimes flake, and moving damages to your belongings or building common areas often offset the savings you thought you were making. To make matters worse, you can injure yourself, which will drive up costs way beyond your initial estimates. It's ok if you don't want to hire movers, but getting pro help when it matters always saves more than what it costs.
Breaking Down Labor-Only Interstate Moving Costs
The hybrid moving approach delivers big savings by separating transportation from labor. Full-service movers bundle these two costs at premium rates. While you handle the driving and logistics, professional movers tackle the physically demanding work at hourly rates that undercut all-inclusive packages by thousands of dollars. Here's what a typical hybrid interstate move costs:
- Truck rental and fuel ($900): A 26-foot truck rental for a 750-mile trip includes the base rental fee, mileage charges, and fuel costs based on 8-10 mpg efficiency.
- Professional loading labor ($400): Two experienced movers working four hours at $50/hour each efficiently pack your truck, preventing damage and removing injury risk from improper lifting techniques.
- Professional unloading labor ($400): The same level of service at your destination gets safe delivery into your new home without the exhaustion of handling everything yourself after a long drive.
- Equipment and insurance ($100): Moving blankets, dollies, straps, and basic insurance coverage protect your belongings during the interstate journey.
Why Professional Loading Makes Interstate Moves Safer
Professional movers load trucks 30% more efficiently than DIY attempts, preventing damage during long drives. They know how to pack a moving truck and distribute weight for highway stability and secure items against shifting. The $300-$500 investment in professional loading prevents thousands of dollars in damage claims and medical bills from improper lifting techniques.
Full-Service Interstate Movers: When Convenience Justifies Cost
Full-service interstate movers handle everything: packing, loading, driving, and unpacking. While averaging $4,000-$8,000 for interstate moves, they make sense for corporate relocations, seniors unable to lift, or families with valuable belongings requiring special handling. The convenience comes with risks. The moving industry sees frequent scams with prices tripling on delivery day.
Avoiding Interstate Moving Company Scams
Get binding estimates in writing that lock in your price. Verify DOT numbers and interstate operating authority. Never pay large deposits (reputable companies request 10-20% maximum). Red flags include prices 50% below competitors’, no physical address, and pressure to sign immediately. Check the FMCSA database for complaint histories before booking any interstate mover. Learn more about how to identify safe and reliable movers.
Shipping Boxes: Ultra-Light Interstate Moving Strategy
For minimal belongings, shipping via USPS, UPS, or FedEx costs less than any moving method. USPS Media Mail ships books at $0.50 per pound. Flying with extra bags costs $75-$150 per bag on most airlines. This works for college students or minimalists moving out of state with just the basics.
Calculating Interstate Shipping Costs
Twenty medium boxes (3 cubic feet each) cost about $600 to ship cross-country via USPS. Books ship cheaper through Media Mail at $40-$60 per box. UPS and FedEx cost more but offer faster delivery and better tracking. Combine shipping with flying for moves under 500 pounds total. For tips on protecting your collection, check out how to pack books for a move.
Money-Saving Tips for Interstate Moves
Moving during October through April saves 20-30% on all methods. Mid-week and mid-month moves cost less than weekends and month-ends. Book at least three weeks ahead for better truck availability and rates.
Declutter aggressively before moving:
- Sell furniture that costs more to move than replace
- Donate items to claim tax deductions
- Ship books via Media Mail separately
Use a decluttering checklist to systematically reduce your load and save on transportation costs before moving.
Compare multiple quotes systematically:
- Get at least three estimates for each method.
- Read contracts for hidden fees before signing.
- Negotiate using competitors' lower quotes.
Hidden Interstate Moving Costs and Prevention
Every moving method hides costs that destroy budgets. Truck rentals add charges for extra miles ($0.40-$1.29 each), late returns ($40-$100 daily), and refueling ($5 per gallon plus fees). Full-service movers charge extra for stairs ($50-$100), long carries ($75-$200), and shuttles when trucks can't park close ($200-$500).
Insurance represents the biggest hidden cost trap. Basic coverage barely protects belongings. Full-value protection adds 5-10% to your total bill but prevents devastating losses. Credit cards sometimes include rental truck coverage. Check before buying duplicate insurance. Document everything with photos before and after moving to support any damage claims. Understanding when movers are responsible for damage helps you make informed insurance decisions.
Your Cheapest Interstate Moving Strategy
The hybrid approach (DIY transport plus professional loading) cuts interstate moving costs by 40-50% while removing injury risk and damage from inexperienced handling. Off-peak booking and aggressive decluttering compound these savings. The real insight: most people overestimate their physical capabilities and underestimate hidden costs, making strategic professional help the actual cheapest option. Get a free quote for labor-only moving help and lock in your savings today.
FAQ: Cheapest Way to Move Out of State
What's the cheapest way to move a 2-bedroom apartment out of state?
DIY truck rental with professional loading help costs $1,500-$2,000, balancing savings with safety.
Can I deduct interstate moving expenses on taxes?
Only active military members can deduct moving costs as of 2018.
What size truck do I need for an interstate move?
Studios need 10-12 feet, one-bedrooms need 14-17 feet, two-bedrooms need 20 feet, and three-bedrooms need 26 feet.
How do I avoid interstate moving scams?
Verify DOT numbers, get binding written estimates, never pay over 20% deposits, and check FMCSA complaint databases.
Should I buy moving insurance for interstate moves?
Yes. Basic coverage pays only $0.60 per pound, while full-value protection costs 5-10% extra but covers actual replacement value.
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